ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
Signing ceremony of MoU for the construction of the Lalandar "Shatoot" Dam in Afghanistan
A signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] for the construction of the Lalandar [Shatoot] Dam in Afghanistan took place over VTC on 9 February 2021. The MoU was signed by EAM Dr. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Mr. Hanif Atmar, in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of Afghanistan H.E. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.
The project is a part of the New Development Partnership between India and Afghanistan. The Lalander [Shatoot] Dam would meet the safe drinking water needs of Kabul City, provide irrigation water to nearby areas, rehabilitate the existing irrigation and drainage network, aid in flood protection and management efforts in the area, and also provide electricity to the region.
This is the second major dam being built by India in Afghanistan, after the India- Afghanistan Friendship Dam [Salma Dam], which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and the President in June 2016. Signing of the MoU on Lalandar [Shatoot] Dam is a reflection of India’s strong and long-term commitment towards the socio-economic development of Afghanistan and the enduring partnership between our two countries. As a part of our Development Cooperation with Afghanistan, India has completed more than 400 projects covering all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister, in his remarks, highlighted the civilisational relationship between India and Afghanistan and gave an assurance of India's continued support for a peaceful, united, stable, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people of Nagaland on Statehood Day
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day.
“Statehood Day greetings to the people of Nagaland. I pray that Nagaland scales new heights of development and the aspirations of the state’s citizens are fulfilled”, the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister pays homage to Lokmanya Tilak on his Punya Tithi
PM to accept the Lokmanya Tilak National Award
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on his Punya Tithi.
Shri Modi will accept the Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune today. Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for key development projects in Pune.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“I pay homage to Lokmanya Tilak on his Punya Tithi. I will be Pune today, where I will accept the Lokmanya Tilak National Award. I am indeed humbled that I have been conferred this award which is closely associated with the work of such a great personality of our history.”
“I will also be inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for key development projects.”
Special Service and Features
1911 Grams of Gold worth 98.03 Lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on Intelligence received, Chennai Air Customs officers arrested one male passenger who was travelling from Dubai to Chennai Via Colombo. In an attempt to smuggle gold into India, the passenger carried gold from Dubai to Colombo and attempted to hand over the same to selected passengers bound from Colombo to Chennai by Srilankan Airlines flight UL 121 dated 14.02.2023. The passenger was identified based on specific intelligence and one gold ingot, 23 gold cut bits and 6 gold rings all of 24K purity totally weighing 1911 grams valued at Rs. 98.03 lakhs were recovered from the passenger and seized under Customs Act, 1962. The passenger was arrested and later released on bail. Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by M.Mathew Jolly,
Pr. Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Steel
Steel Authority of India Limited  Posts Best Ever Production Performance of 18.733 Million Ton Hot Metal & 17.37 Million Ton Crude Steel During 2022 Fiscal
Company Enters Elite Club of Indian Companies Having Above One Lakh Crore Turnover
Sustained Efforts to be made to further Reduce Carbon Emissions – Chairman, SAIL
Steel Authority of India Limited  held its 50th Annual General Meeting, today at Company’s headquarter in New Delhi. Smt. Soma Mondal, Chairman, SAIL addressed the shareholders in the meeting, held through a virtual platform.
In her address Smt. Mondal highlighted the achievements of the Company during fiscal 2021-22 underlined the future action plan of the Company. SAIL has posted the best ever production performance by producing 18.733 million tonne  of hot metal and 17.366 MT of crude Steel during FY’22. For the first time the Company entered into the elite club of Indian Companies having a turnover above rupees one lakh crore. The turnover of Rs. 1.03 lakh crore during FY’22 saw substantial growth of more than 50% over the previous best of Rs.68452 crore achieved during FY’21. The increase in turnover coupled with improved operational performance helped the Company achieve its highest ever numbers in terms of profitability.
Smt Mondal described the year 2022 as a milestone year for the country as India completed 75 glorious years of independence and denoted it as an extraordinary milestone in the journey of modern India which assumes further significance in the light of India’s preparedness to gravitate forward into India 2.0. SAIL is prepared to contribute to this growth story of India by capitalizing on the intrinsic strength and resources at disposal , the Chairman added.
Smt Mondal highlighted SAIL’s role as a conscientious ethical corporate and stated that the focus is on meeting the ESG goals. In times to come, SAIL would be making many more interventions to curtail carbon emission to meet global standards. With due emphasis on sustainability, the Company is continuously improving upon its processes, product basket, policies while building an ambitious roadmap for the future, the Chairman further stated.
Ministry of Coal
Details of Fourth Round Commercial Coal Mine Auction
The fourth round of commercial auctions was launched on December 16, 2021 and 99 coal mines were offered. The mines were from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal states. Out of these 99 coal mines, total of 8 coal mines were successfully auctioned. Development of new mines are required towards Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce import dependence. Coal demand of 1500 MTPA is projected by various agencies by the year 2030. Further, several steps have been taken to reduce emission from coal mining like First Mile Connectivity, massive afforestation and RE projects, etc.
Out of 99 coal mines offered for auction in fourth round of auction, only 8 mines have been successfully auctioned. Resettlement & Rehabilitation of project affected families will be done as per prevailing norms of State Govt.
Coal mines are operated as per the approved mining plan and coal production is monitored against the level given in the mining plan for that particular year especially in pre-PRC attainment stage and during tapering-before closing. Coal mines are running on average at optimal capacity as per mining plans. Considering last 5 years average, CIL’s overall system capacity utilization is near about 80%. The capacity utilization of SCCL has been near about 82-90% and capacity utilization of NLCIL has been near about 85%-100% as per mine plan. Prematurely comparing the production of a mine with PRC while the mine is still in pre-PRC stage misleads one to believe that the capacity is underutilized.
This information was given by the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
165.04 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 20,04,333
Active cases stand at 4.91%
Recovery Rate currently at 93.89%
3,35,939 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,83,60,710
2,35,532 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
72.57 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 17,59,434 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 164.79 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 11.92 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,64,79,42,695
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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11,92,78,591
More than 164.79 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 11.92 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Communications
DOT and NDMA collaborate to enhance emergency communication with Cell Broadcast Alert System testing
Emergency alerts integral part of planned testing process and do not indicate actual emergency
DOT takes ambitious initiative by implementing Cell Broadcasting across the entire pan-India network of all Telecom Service Providers
Department of Telecommunications  is responsible for formulating developmental policies aimed at accelerating the growth of the telecommunications sector in India. Our mission is to ensure access to affordable and effective telecommunications services for all citizens while promoting innovation and safeguarding national security interests. The DOT works tirelessly to enhance communication capabilities and support disaster management efforts to protect the well-being of our fellow countrymen.
The DOT in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority  will be conducting comprehensive testing of the Cell Broadcast Alert System. This initiative aims to bolster emergency communication during disasters and prioritize the safety and well-being of our esteemed citizens.
In a relentless commitment to ensuring the safety of the people of India and their communities, the Cell Broadcast Alert System will undergo rigorous testing across various Telecom Service Providers. These tests will be conducted periodically in diverse regions throughout the country to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the emergency alert broadcasting capabilities of different Mobile Operators and Cell Broadcast Systems.
The Cell Broadcast Alert System represents a cutting-edge technology that empowers us to disseminate critical and time-sensitive disaster management messages to all mobile devices within specified geographical areas, regardless of whether the recipients are residents or visitors. This ensures that crucial emergency information reaches as many individuals as possible promptly. Government agencies and emergency services employ Cell Broadcast to keep the public informed about potential threats and to provide vital updates during critical situations. Common applications of Cell Broadcast include delivering emergency alerts such as severe weather warnings , public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information.
As part of this endeavor, tests are being conducted in different states across India, with Punjab being the next state on the testing schedule for 29th September.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Impact of Climate Change on Oceans
The Ministry of Earth Sciences recently published an assessment report on the climate change impact on the Indian region, which includes impact of climate change on oceans.
Based on scientific studies and the recent climate assessment report of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the tropical Indian Ocean is warming rapidly over the recent decades. The average basin-wide sea surface temperature  is warming at a rate of 0.15 oC/decade during 1951-2015. During the same period, globally averaged SST warmed at a rate of ~0.11 oC. Owing to this rapid warming, the sea level in the Indian Ocean was observed to be rising at a rate of 1.06-1.75 mm/year during the last century  and ~3.3 mm/year in the recent decades , which is in a similar range of the global mean sea level rise.
Further, National Centre for Coastal Research , an attached office of MoES, is collecting the real-time information on coastal water quality by deploying water quality buoys at 10m water depth in coastal waters. NCCR is also undertaking research activities in quantifying litter  in the beach, in the water column and sediment on the sea floor. An increase in the abundance of microplastics is observed along the east coast during the monsoon. The stations nearer to the river mouth had higher numbers of microplastics concentrations. The Beach litter survey revealed that the maximum accumulation occurs in the backshore than in the intertidal zone. Moreover, Urban beaches have higher accumulation rates than rural beaches. Under Beach Clean-up program/activity, it was found that the majority of the waste composition was contributed by single use plastics.
No such report has been released by the recent UN Conference that the world's seas are in crisis.
This information was given by the Minister of State  for M/o Earth Sciences and M/o Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Power
Union Power Secretary Takes Important Meeting
Reviews Coal Stock Position At Thermal Power Plants
Reviews Production of Coal from Captive Coal Mines
Three Important Interventions Decided Upon Towards Ensuring Uninterrupted Power Supply
Secretary, Union Ministry of Power, Shri Alok Kumar, today had an important meeting where he reviewed:
1)The coal stock position at Thermal Power Plants;and
2)The production of coal from captive coal mines
This meeting was taken as per the directions of Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri RK Singh,given in the review meeting taken by him on 3rd September.
Three important decisions were arrived at,in the meeting taken by Secretary,Power
1)Captive coal mine companies have been given a notice of one week to increase their production to more than 85% of their targets’.If they fail,the supply of linkage coal to such states/Gencos would be regulated.
2)Those States/DISCOMS who procure power from imported coal based power plants have been given a notice of two weeks to meet their power demand from these power plants.In case of failure,the supply of domestic coal to these Sates would be regulated.
3)Power plants having coal stock of more than 10 days but where plant load factor is less than 40 %,coal supply would be regulated to the extent of 100%.The coal supply to the power plants having coal stock of more than 18 days will also be regulated to the extent of 100%.The coal supply to the power plants having coal stock ranging from 11 days to 18 days and having PLF more than 40%, will be regulated to the extent of 50%.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Ministry raises existing limit of purchase of Moong and Urad under Price Support Scheme for Madhya Pradesh farmers
Now 40 quintals can be purchased under PSS per day per farmer in Madhya Pradesh
Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare today relaxed the existing limit of 25 quintals for purchase of Moong and Urad under Price Support Scheme  during the summer season 2021-22 for farmers in Madhya Pradesh. It has been now increased to 40 quintals per farmer per day.
On the instructions of Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, exemption limit has been approved for Madhya Pradesh farmers.
Earlier, Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Kamal Patel met the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and discussed about the problems faced by the farmers of Madhya Pradesh. Shri Patel said that while selling their Moong and Urad produce under PSS, if farmers have more quantity of summer moong available with them, according to PSS registration guidelines, they faced problem due to purchase limit of 25 quintal per day per farmer.
This problem has been resolved with immediate effect following directions to officials by Shri Tomar, after which the relaxation has been approved by the Government.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Sardar Patel on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Sardar Patel on his Jayanti.
“देश की एकता के सूत्रधार लौह पुरुष सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर शत-शत नमन। Tributes to the great Sardar Patel on his Jayanti. His contribution to our nation is monumental”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Petroleum Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Qatar Energy Minister Agree to Set Up a Task Force on Energy
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today held a telecall with HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President & CEO Qatar Petroleum on promoting Qatari investments in the entire energy value chain in India. This was a follow-up to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s discussion with Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al-Thani on 8 Dec.
Minister Pradhan reiterated Qatar’s role as a reliable supplier of LNG and LPG. Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and move beyond the buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive one, including two-way investments.
Both the Ministers have agreed to set up a Task Force on Energy, represented by Vice-President of Qatar Petroleum and a senior officer from Petroleum Ministry to identify specific projects in India’s energy sector for Qatari investments.
YB
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Vice President's Secretariat
Krishi Vigyan Kendras must act as bridge between scientists and farmers: Vice President
Establish a regular dialogue between farmers, policy makers & scientists;
Visits Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Baramati
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the Krishi Vigyan Kendras must act as a bridge between scientists and farmers in providing knowledge and latest farming techniques to farmers. He was addressing the gathering after visiting the Krishi Vigyan Kendra  in Baramati, Maharashtra today. The Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Maharashtra, Shri Girish Bapat, the former Union Minister for Agriculture, Shri Sharad Pawar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President asked KVKs across the country to play an active role in making agriculture remunerative by training farmers in allied sectors like sericulture, diary, poultry, fisheries, seed processing and others.
The Vice President said that improving the livelihood of people dependent on agriculture must be made top priority. People living in rural areas must be part of the development and there is a need to establish a regular dialogue between farmers, policy makers and scientists, he added.
Describing the KVK, Baramati as a role model for agriculture research centres, he said that it is helping in empowering rural youth.
Among others, the Vice President visited the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables  and enquired about the technological advancements in vegetable farming. He also visited different facilities at KVK and also interacted with students at Atal Tinkering Lab.
Ministry of Communications
TRAI releases Pre-Consultation Paper on Inputs for Formulation of “National Broadcasting Policy”
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  today issued Pre-consultation paper on Inputs for Formulation of “National Broadcasting Policy”.
Through the said letter dated 13th July 2023, MIB has requested TRAI to give its considered inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 for formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy.
In its letter MIB has mentioned that the Broadcast Policy needs to identify the vision of a functional, vibrant and resilient broadcasting sector which can project India’s diverse culture and rich heritage and help India’s transition to a digital and empowered economy. In the light of the potentialities and intersection with national goals, a National Broadcasting Policy stipulating the vision, mission, strategies and the action points could set the tone for a planned development and growth of the Broadcasting sector in the country in the era of new and emerging technologies.
With this background, a pre-consultation is being done with all the stakeholders to elicit the issues which are required to be considered for formulation of “National Broadcasting Policy”. Written comments on the pre-consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 10th October 2023. The comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form on the email ID advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvbcs-1@trai.gov.in
For any clarification/ information, Shri Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, Advisor  may be contacted at Tel. No. +91-11-23237922.
Election Commission
Biennial Election to the Karnataka Legislative Council by the Members of Legislative Assembly
(The term of office of 11 members of Karnataka Legislative Council who were elected by the Members of Karnataka Legislative Assembly is due to expire on 17th June, 2018. The details of the sitting members due to retire on 17.06.2018 are as follow:
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KARNATAKA
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S.No.
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Name of Retiring Members
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Date of Retirement
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1.
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B.J. Puttaswamy
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17.06.2018
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2.
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M.R. Seetharam
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3.
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Motamma
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4.
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D.S. Veeraiah
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5.
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Syed Mudeer Aga
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6.
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Somanna @ Swamilinga Bevinamarada
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7.
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Raghunath Rao Malkapure
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8.
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Bhanu Prakash
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9.
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C. M. Ibrahim
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10.
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K. Govindaraj
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11.
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B.S. Suresh
Now, the Commission has decided to hold Biennial Election to the Karnataka Legislative Council by the Members of Legislative Assembly in accordance with the following schedule:
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Sl. No.
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Event
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:
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Days and Date
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-
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Issue of Notifications
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:
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24th May, 2018 
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-
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Last date of making nominations
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:
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31th May, 2018 
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-
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Scrutiny of nominations
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:
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1st June, 2018 
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-
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Last date for withdrawal of candidatures
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:
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4th June, 2018 
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-
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Date of poll
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11th June , 2018 
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Hours of poll
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9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M
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Counting of Votes
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:
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11th June , 2018  5.00 P.M onwards
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Date before which election shall be completed
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15th June, 2018 
SBS
Ministry of Defence
Indian and French Navies Exercise in The Atlantic
INS Tarkash, on her long range overseas deployment, conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise  with French Naval Ships in the North Atlantic Ocean on 29 and 30 July 2022.
Replenishment at sea was exercised between Tarkash and the French Fleet Tanker FNS Somme. This was followed by joint air operations with the maritime surveillance aircraft Falcon 50 participating in multiple simulated missile engagements and air defence drills.
Successful conduct of these surface and aerial exercises symbolise the high degree of professionalism and interoperability that exists between the two navies.